No matter what you call it -- hero, sub, po' boy, grinder, torpedo, hoagie -- this substantial sandwich on the eponymous roll is a party classic. Martha and her friend Maggie Rotanz make a hearty three-foot sub for Maggie's son's baseball-themed birthday party. To hold each portion together, poke mini baseball pennants into each piece.
Serves about 24
2 heads romaine lettuce, shredded
Olive oil, to taste
Red-wine vinegar, to taste
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dried oregano, to taste
1 three-foot loaf Italian bread with sesame seeds
1 cup best-quality mayonnaise
3/4 pound oven-roasted turkey, thinly sliced
3/4 pound baked ham, thinly sliced
3/4 pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
3/4 pound soppressata salami, thinly sliced
3/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
4 large vine-ripened tomatoes, thinly sliced
24 mini baseball pennants, or toothpicks
1. Put shredded lettuce in a bowl, and drizzle lightly with oil and vinegar; season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut bread in half lengthwise. With your hands, pull out the soft center from the bread. Using a spatula, spread mayonnaise evenly over each bread half.
3. On bottom bread half, evenly layer turkey, ham, Genoa salami, soppressata, provolone, and tomatoes. Add layer of lettuce. Top with remaining bread half. Cut sandwich into triangles, and secure with mini baseball pennants or toothpicks. Serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.
1936 Mini Pennant Set
Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia
1229 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107